in syria, elite troops, along with tanks, battled to dislodge rebels from a key southern suburb of damascus. the area is within firing distance of major government sites in the capital. amateur video also showed the aftermath of what appeared to be air strikes in the northeastern suburb of douma. the attacks toppled buildings and sent civilians fleeing. celebrations began today as the new year, 2013, dawned around the globe. we have a report from richard pallot of independent television news. . >> here we go! >> reporter: a perfect summer's night ushering in 2013 in sydney. 7 tons of fireworks lighting up the famous harbor the world's biggest and most expensive. >> an emotional commentary accompanied the scene in the north korea capitol pyongyang, reportedly the first ever fireworks display in this secretive country. >> in shanghai in china they sang an alternative version of auld lang syne. >> and in hong kong a more familiar one. ♪ auld lang syne ♪ ♪. >> a sum >> holman: a somber mood prevailed across india on new year's eve, as the country mourned the victim of a gang rape. celebra